We have made great progress here in Illinois by rebalancing the disability system, moving
people off the waiting list and now getting money to increase wages for Direct Support
Professionals. We cannot go backward after all of our hard work to get this far.
We cannot let down because of the powerful opposition to extending the income tax. Our
voices must be heard.
I believe we can still avoid severe budget cuts to disability, human services and special
education, but you must act now and recruit other advocates. Next week on Tuesday,
May 27th,the Illinois House of Representatives Appropriations Committees will meet
and propose extremely deep cuts in those appropriation bills. All legislators need to hear
how unacceptable those cuts will be.
Two tasks I need you to do:
You can show your own support by electronically filing a witness slip in support of
House Bill 395, floor amendment 1, which would make the 5% income tax rate
permanent. This bill is posted for hearing on Tuesday, May 27 in the House
Revenue and Finance Committee. Here is the link to file a witness slip: http://my.ilga.gov/WitnessSlip/Create/70343?committeeHearingId=12101&LegislationId=70343&HCommittees5%2F29%2F2014-page=1&committeeid=0&chamber=H&nodays=7&_=1400774455902
Below is a list of targets developed by the Responsible Budget Coalition of which
The Arc is a member. Encourage your staff, friends and other advocates to make
calls to these legislators on Friday and all of next week.
Please file your witness slip as soon as possible to help demonstrate the widespread
support for this.
While every legislator needs to be contacted, here is a list of specific targets who need
to step up and support the income tax extension.
You can use this link to determine who your state representative is: http://www.elections.il.gov/districtlocator/addressfinder.aspx
Your message: “Support and vote for House Bill 395, floor amendment 1, and
support the $1.00 per hour wage increase for Direct Support Professionals.”
Daniel Beiser (Alton)
(217) 782-5996
Kelly Burke (Oak Lawn)
(217) 782-0515
Linda Chapa LaVia (Aurora)
(217) 558-1002
Fred Crespo (Streamwood)
(217) 782-0347
John D’Amico (Chicago)
(217) 782-8198
Anthony DeLuca (Chicago Heights)
(217) 782-1719
Laura Fine (Glenview)
217) 782-4194
Jehan Gordon-Booth (Peoria)
217) 782-3186
Frances Ann Hurley (Chicago)
(217) 782-8200
Natalie Manley (Joliet)
(217) 782-3316
Rita Mayfield (Waukegan)
(217) 558-1012
Emily McAsey (Romeoville)
(217) 782-4179
Sue Scherer (Decatur)
(217) 524-0353
Elgie Sims, Jr. (Chicago)
(217) 782-6476
Mike Smiddy (Port Byron)
(217) 782-3992
Andre Thapedi (Chicago)
(217) 782-1702
Patrick Verschorre (Rock Island)
(217) 782-5970
Lawrence Walsh, Jr. (Joliet)
(217) 782-8090
Kathleen Willis (Northlake)
(217) 782-3374
.
Tony Paulauski Executive Director
The Arc of Illinois
20901 S. LaGrange Rd. Suite 209
Frankfort, IL 60423
815-464-1832 (OFFICE)
815-464-1832 (CELL)
Tony@www.thearcofil.org
